Do you know who to call?

[Super Sneaky Steve]

It just occured to me, that if I was ever involved in a defensive shooting and I wound up in a holding cell I have no idea who to call.

I don't know if it's like in the movies where they give you just one phone call, but what if you tried to call a friend and no one answered? What next?

It got me thinking about shopping for lawyers now, before any incident, so when I do have to make that call, I can just pull the number out of my phone or wallet.

Has anyone else done this?

 

[bikemutt]

Yup. He's not on retainer but we've had cup o' joe, his business card is right behind my carry permit.

 

[Bubbles]

Got two since I live close to the border of two states, both of which it's legal for me to carry.

 

[Unistat]

It just occured to me, that if I was ever involved in a defensive shooting and I wound up in a holding cell I have no idea who to call.

SS Steve, I work in a jail and and I will tell you what we do. Keep in mind that the following is what we do at my agency. Other places might have different policies.

I don't know if it's like in the movies where they give you just one phone call, but what if you tried to call a friend and no one answered? What next?

Whether an arrestee gets a phone call depends on a lot of variables. Most important is the charge. If it is a non-drug related misdemeanor, I will allow a phone call or I will call for the arrestee so that someone can come down and pay a bond. Our cells have a phone in them but they only make collect calls which most cell phones can't receive. These phones don't get much use.

For drug arrests and serious crimes (felonies) there will be no bond or calls until, at the minimum, a detective reviews the case. Sometimes a detective will want to speak with the arrestee and at that time the person is Mirandized and can call for a lawyer if they wish. For these types of arrests, after arraignment before the judge, a phone call is almost always allowed (usually because there is a bond.)

As to what happens if no one answers, I try my best to get folks out of the jail if they have a bond. We only have so much room and there is no need to keep people that have a bond, that is what the money is for. After booking, before I place the arrestee in the cell, if I'm not busy, I let them make a call. If the person doesn't answer I tell them leave a message. I will sometimes allow another call if I am not busy. After they are in the cell If they get a bond or they have had no response for a while, I will get some names and numbers and make a call for them.

Keep in mind that I don't have to do any of this. An arrestee determines how they will be treated. Cooperation will gain cooperation. I'm not there to punish anyone, but if an arrestee is a jerk, I am far less likely to do them any favors.

It got me thinking about shopping for lawyers now, before any incident, so when I do have to make that call, I can just pull the number out of my phone or wallet.

I keep the number of a Michigan gun rights lawyer in my phone for just such a situation.

 

[ambidextrous1]

If you're arrested, you probably won't have access to your cell phone, wallet or shoe laces. You should have emergency number(s) stored in your biological memory. A bondsman is your best "get out of jail" option.

 

[TexasRifleman]

It just occured to me, that if I was ever involved in a defensive shooting and I wound up in a holding cell I have no idea who to call.

Certainly could happen but I think you will find in most cases that the CCW'er isn't arrested on the spot. Unless there is some clear question the shoot wasn't justified there is a very good chance that you will be released or "asked" to come in for questioning.

This is also one of the reasons lots of folks recommend that you always ask for medical attention at the scene, it gets you into the hands of a different agency for a bit, allowing you to collect your thoughts.

 

[TexasRifleman]

It just occured to me, that if I was ever involved in a defensive shooting and I wound up in a holding cell I have no idea who to call.

Certainly could happen but I think you will find in most cases that the CCW'er isn't arrested on the spot. Unless there is some clear question the shoot wasn't justified there is a very good chance that you will be released or "asked" to come in for questioning then or later. Depends on the state of course.

This is also one of the reasons lots of folks recommend that you always ask for medical attention at the scene, it gets you into the hands of a different agency for a bit, allowing you to collect your thoughts. Still a good idea to have the number of a lawyer you have spoken with ahead of time in your wallet.

 

[CoRoMo]

This is a good reason to get involved or connected with your state's pro-gun organizations. Here we have RMGO, I also am a member of a large gun club. If I already did not have an attorney colleague, and I was completely in the dark about it, I'd contact one of the two firearm organizations that I am currently connected with, and ask them to suggest an attorney or law firm. Rather than flipping through the yellowpages, start with a gun organization. If you've ever taken a CCW class, you might also ask the people who did the course to suggest an attorney.

If you do this now, you could go ahead and toss some business to the attorney/firm in the form of a Will or LLC, etc. That way you've begun a working relationship.

 

[highorder]

Yup. He's not on retainer but we've had cup o' joe, his business card is right behind my carry permit.

Same situation here, thank goodness.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Sounds like a good opportunity for a business.

Company collects a small annual fee ($10) from members who must be CCW holders. The company subscribes to an answering service and maintains a list of lawyers who will take a call on the issue at anytime and do basic initial work for a flat fee of $150.

CCW members need only remember the 800 number of the company 1-800-CCW-HELP

 

[Bobson]

Interesting idea. I wonder if you'd be able to stay busy enough for profits to be worthwhile.

 

[medalguy]

I wholeheartedly agree with the suggestion made by CoRoMo to get to know an attorney in your town, and have him do some work for you so you have a relationship in place. Everyone should have a will anyway and this is a good excuse to get that done. If you have assets worth protecting, you might want to look at a trust, and having a living will and medical directive on file is not a bad idea at all. How many of you have been in a hospital for any reason recently? They always ask you if you have a medical directive and living will, and if so, they want a copy.

I also like TexasRifleman's suggestion of asking for medical attention. Heart palpitations and the like sound pretty reasonable to me given the circumstances. Get me to the ER and get the old ticker checked out.

 

[Greg528iT]

Easy.
I get one phone call.
I call my WIFE. I let her make a couple "other" phone calls, bail bonds man, lawyer, Once I get out then I can make all the other calls I need.

Not married? You have brothers? sisters? My sister's husband is a lawyer, and while he lives in another state, could reach out to a local attorney for me.
Not civil with your family? I guess that's why the Bond offices have names like AAA Bonds. I'm sure their business cards are plastered all over near the police station's prisoner's use phone or wall.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

If you've gone this far in life (I'm hoping you're at least 21 'cause you've been involved in a shooting) and don't have a lawyer (either on retainer or a card in your wallet) then you've been VERY fortunate up until now. You are perfectly within your rights to simply remain silent until you can speak with a lawyer, no matter how long it takes to find him (her?) and make them your lawyer. If you're polite (but firm) you shouldn't be viewed as non-cooperative. Until you've been interviewed, bond likely won't be available. So, like previous posts, I suggest you have at least a familiar relationship with a local attorney. They make a living being available, so their phone gets answered by someone.